Andrew Culture's Positivity Podcast
By Andrew Laws
Andrew Culture's Positivity PodcastMay 24, 2023
Love and Haste - Chapter 15
A novel by Andrew Culture
Bill Bacon loved playing tricks on people, and he decided a silly thing like his death wasn't going to stop his mischief. His final prank will change the lives of two people on opposite sides of the world. Forever.
Sam and Charlie have never met but now they need to get to know each other, whether they like it or not.
'Love and Haste' is a comic novel by Andrew Culture
Find out more about Andrew Culture at https://andrewculture.com
Sean Antonioli; cyclist, gondola builder, designer & adventurer
Sean grew up in New York state, a short train ride from the city, and spent his summers visiting family in The Bronx and Connecticut. In his early twenties, Sean decided to move to Venice to learn how to build gondalas. After serving an apprenticeship, Sean found himself involved in the making of a Bond film, and a series of events led to him moving to Ipswich in the UK, where he still lives today.
I wanted to record a podcast with Sean because his story is charming, funny and inspiring. Sean is a fine example of someone who has led a fascinating life, in no small part due to his ability to make bold decisions.
Norman Sanders - Computer pioneer, writer and technology adventurer
I want to introduce you to computer industry pioneer, Norman Sanders. Norman was born in 1929 and revolutionised the aviation industry by bringing computers into the manufacturing process at Boeing in the 1950s. But that is just one small part of his story.
Throughout his fascinating life Norman Sanders has worked with some very interesting people, including Alan Turing and Shaun Wylie (the Bletchley Park Enigma code-breakers).
In the 1960s, while working for the United Nations, Norman met British Prime Minster, Harold Wilson. A friendship developed that led to Norman writing a very famous speech for Wilson that is regarded by some to have kick-started the technology and computing boom in the United Kingdom. Norman also helped Harold Wilson prepare for peace pact talks with the notorious cold war era Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev.
Norman is a warm and engaging storyteller, and this funny, entertaining, conversation is a great testament to his achievements and a great showcase of Norman's bright enthusiasm for everything he engages with.
Norman has written a great number of books, so this short list of further reading recommendations is just the very tip of the information iceberg that is Norman Sanders.
Harold Wilson's 'white heat of technology' speech 50 years on
https://www.theguardian.com/science/political-science/2013/sep/19/harold-wilson-white-heat-technology-speech
The IT Archive Interview with Norman Sanders
https://archivesit.org.uk/interviews/norman-sanders/
My Computing Life by Norman Sanders (book)
https://books.google.co.uk/books/about/My_Computing_Life.html?id=WLUdzgEACAAJ&redir_esc=y
Norman Sanders author page on Amazon
https://amzn.to/3Wgzdj4
Love and Haste - Chapter 14
A novel by Andrew Culture
Bill Bacon loved playing tricks on people, and he decided a silly thing like his death wasn't going to stop his mischief. His final prank will change the lives of two people on opposite sides of the world. Forever.
Sam and Charlie have never met but now they need to get to know each other, whether they like it or not.
'Love and Haste' is a comic novel by Andrew Culture
Find out more about Andrew Culture at https://andrewculture.com
Love and Haste - Chapter 13
A novel by Andrew Culture
Bill Bacon loved playing tricks on people, and he decided a silly thing like his death wasn't going to stop his mischief. His final prank will change the lives of two people on opposite sides of the world. Forever.
Sam and Charlie have never met but now they need to get to know each other, whether they like it or not.
'Love and Haste' is a comic novel by Andrew Culture
Find out more about Andrew Culture at https://andrewculture.com
Love and Haste - Chapter 12
A novel by Andrew Culture
Bill Bacon loved playing tricks on people, and he decided a silly thing like his death wasn't going to stop his mischief. His final prank will change the lives of two people on opposite sides of the world. Forever.
Sam and Charlie have never met but now they need to get to know each other, whether they like it or not.
'Love and Haste' is a comic novel by Andrew Culture
Find out more about Andrew Culture at https://andrewculture.com
Love and Haste - Chapter 11
A novel by Andrew Culture
Bill Bacon loved playing tricks on people, and he decided a silly thing like his death wasn't going to stop his mischief. His final prank will change the lives of two people on opposite sides of the world. Forever.
Sam and Charlie have never met but now they need to get to know each other, whether they like it or not.
'Love and Haste' is a comic novel by Andrew Culture
Find out more about Andrew Culture at https://andrewculture.com
Love and Haste - Chapter 10
A novel by Andrew Culture
Bill Bacon loved playing tricks on people, and he decided a silly thing like his death wasn't going to stop his mischief. His final prank will change the lives of two people on opposite sides of the world. Forever.
Sam and Charlie have never met but now they need to get to know each other, whether they like it or not.
'Love and Haste' is a comic novel by Andrew Culture
Find out more about Andrew Culture at https://andrewculture.com
Love and Haste - Chapter 9
A novel by Andrew Culture
Bill Bacon loved playing tricks on people, and he decided a silly thing like his death wasn't going to stop his mischief. His final prank will change the lives of two people on opposite sides of the world. Forever.
Sam and Charlie have never met but now they need to get to know each other, whether they like it or not.
'Love and Haste' is a comic novel by Andrew Culture
Find out more about Andrew Culture at https://andrewculture.com
Love and Haste - Chapter 8
A novel by Andrew Culture
Bill Bacon loved playing tricks on people, and he decided a silly thing like his death wasn't going to stop his mischief. His final prank will change the lives of two people on opposite sides of the world. Forever.
Sam and Charlie have never met but now they need to get to know each other, whether they like it or not.
'Love and Haste' is a comic novel by Andrew Culture
Find out more about Andrew Culture at https://andrewculture.com
Love and Haste - Chapter 7
A novel by Andrew Culture
Bill Bacon loved playing tricks on people, and he decided a silly thing like his death wasn't going to stop his mischief. His final prank will change the lives of two people on opposite sides of the world. Forever.
Sam and Charlie have never met but now they need to get to know each other, whether they like it or not.
'Love and Haste' is a comic novel by Andrew Culture
Find out more about Andrew Culture at https://andrewculture.com
Daniel King - Cultural bubble burster
Some people in a bubble. For some people, their bubble is their security. Then there are the sorts of people who make huge efforts to burst out of their bubble. Daniel King is one of those people.
Daniel lives in Seatle (USA) and runs a podcast called 'Across the pond', and in each episode, he has a conversation with someone he has never met before. Most of Daniel's guests live outside the USA, all are interesting.
In this episode of my positivity podcast I find out what motivates Daniel to keep busting out of his bubble, and how doing so has changed him as a person.
Love and Haste - Chapter 6
A novel by Andrew Culture
Bill Bacon loved playing tricks on people, and he decided a silly thing like his death wasn't going to stop his mischief. His final prank will change the lives of two people on opposite sides of the world. Forever.
Sam and Charlie have never met but now they need to get to know each other, whether they like it or not.
'Love and Haste' is a comic novel by Andrew Culture
Find out more about Andrew Culture at https://andrewculture.com
Love and Haste - Chapter 5
A novel by Andrew Culture
Bill Bacon loved playing tricks on people, and he decided a silly thing like his death wasn't going to stop his mischief. His final prank will change the lives of two people on opposite sides of the world. Forever.
Sam and Charlie have never met but now they need to get to know each other, whether they like it or not.
'Love and Haste' is a comic novel by Andrew Culture
Find out more about Andrew Culture at https://andrewculture.com
Love and Haste - Chapter 4
A novel by Andrew Culture
Bill Bacon loved playing tricks on people, and he decided a silly thing like his death wasn't going to stop his mischief. His final prank will change the lives of two people on opposite sides of the world. Forever.
Sam and Charlie have never met but now they need to get to know each other, whether they like it or not.
'Love and Haste' is a comic novel by Andrew Culture
Find out more about Andrew Culture at https://andrewculture.com
Red's Ramblings on exploring the cultures of the world with fascination, respect and joy
More information - https://andrewculture.com/podcast/
As we cruise the universe as bags of meat on this spinning rock we call Planet Earth, we are sometimes fortunate enough to meet people who happen into our lives in unexpected ways. Jamie Goodman (A.K.A 'Red') has made it his mission to actively seek people he wouldn't meet in the natural course of his life. He is an aural cultural adventurer.
Red has been fascinated by other cultures since long before his trademark big red beard was even wisp of fluff. I bumped into Red on Reddit when he was calling out for interesting people to vocally ramble with on his podcast. I was fortunate to be a guest, and was keen to invite him for an away fixture on my own podcast.
I've been quite taken by Red's attitude to life and his enthusiasm for exploring the world through the stories and options of those who live far away from his native South Carolina. Red is engaging, positive, considerate and respectful, while interviewing his guests with a sense of fun that is as engaging as it is endearing. I'm really pleased Red agreed to join me on my podcast, and I hope you'll enjoy his company as much as I did.
Listen to Jamie's 'Red's Rambling' podcast on all podcast platforms and at https://anchor.fm/jamie-goodman
Love and Haste - Chapter 3
A novel by Andrew Culture
Bill Bacon loved playing tricks on people, and he decided a silly thing like his death wasn't going to stop his mischief. His final prank will change the lives of two people on opposite sides of the world. Forever.
Sam and Charlie have never met but now they need to get to know each other, whether they like it or not.
'Love and Haste' is a comic novel by Andrew Culture
Find out more about Andrew Culture at https://andrewculture.com
Love and Haste - Chapter 2
A novel by Andrew Culture
Bill Bacon loved playing tricks on people, and he decided a silly thing like his death wasn't going to stop his mischief. His final prank will change the lives of two people on opposite sides of the world. Forever.
Sam and Charlie have never met but now they need to get to know each other, whether they like it or not.
'Love and Haste' is a comic novel by Andrew Culture
Find out more about Andrew Culture at https://andrewculture.com
Sam Brook - my part in the Egyptian Revolution
Sometimes a podcast guest doesn't quite turn out to be what I expect them to be.
When this happens it is often a delight, but not always.
I booked Sam Brooks for an interview to talk about her 'Happiness Club' project. But before we got into that discussion I wanted to find about a little bit more about the background of my guest. This is where things took a quite shocking and unexpected turn.
Sam disclosed that she took part in the Egyptian Revolution of 2011. Not only was she there, she was also one of a handful of Western journalists who wrote about the unfolding events for news websites and blogs. Sam's story is so wild I can't begin to comprehend what the experience must have been like. Which is fine, because Sam does a great job and explaining exactly what it was like to be in the thick of it during one of the biggest political shifts the Arab world experienced, during the turbulent time know as 'The Arab Spring'.
This podcast episode is more than just another retelling of historical events, in this fascinating interview Sam shares several jaw-dropping stories that were not reported in the Western Media. As you may expect, this episode contains strong language and frank opinions.
I'll have to book Sam again to talk about The Happiness Club, because this episode developed a remarkable story that needs to be heard.
Find out more about Sam Brook at:
https://happiness-club.co.uk/
Follow Sam on Instagram at:
https://www.instagram.com/sam_brook_happiness_club/
Find The Happiness Club on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/HappinessClubInternational/
Find out more about Andrew Culture's Positivity Podcast at https://andrewculture.com/podcast/
Love and Haste - Chapter 1
A novel by Andrew Culture
Bill Bacon loved playing tricks on people, and he decided a silly thing like his death wasn't going to stop his mischief. His final prank will change the lives of two people on opposite sides of the world. Forever.
Sam and Charlie have never met but now they need to get to know each other, whether they like it or not.
'Love and Haste' is a comic novel by Andrew Culture
Find out more about Andrew Culture at https://andrewculture.com
John Ferguson - Using photography to make the world a better place
John Ferguson served an apprenticeship as professional photographer at a photo agency in London before moving on to a successful career in Fleet Street. John's career has taken in every aspect of commercial photography, including fashion, sports, reportage and pretty much everything else that can be expressed with a camera. But there's one theme that John has consistently returned to throughout his career - using photography to tell untold stories.
Now living in Suffolk (UK), John has gained a worldwide reputation for using his work to shine a light on communities and issues that are often overlooked by mainstream media. John calls these fascinating bodies of work his 'personal projects'.
For one of his most high-profile projects 'The Forgotten Cowboys', John went in search of black cowboys (the original cowboys). This project caused a significant shift in the perception of an important part of American history. This is just one example of many.
In this fascinating conversation John shares his passion for using photography to open a dialog on aspects of humanity that are often ignored. I strongly recommend exploring John's personal projects via his website while listening to this podcast episode.
Find out more about the work of John Ferguson at:
https://www.johnfergusonphoto.com/
Find out more about the Andrew Culture Positivity Podcast at:
https://andrewculture.com/podcast/
The copyright of the photograph used on the featured image for this podcast is owned by John Ferguson.
Johnnie Moore and the art of the unhurried conversation
'Slow you down boy' is a cheerful handmade sign that can be seen as you drive into the Norfolk village of Blakeney. It's good advice and can be applied to many aspects of our lives.
In this episode of my podcast I have the great pleasure of being in conversation with the professionally unhurried Johnnie Moore. Johnnie is the founder of Unhurried Conversations. These fascinating events started in Cambridge (UK) and have now spread around the globe.
The concept of the Unhurried Conversations is at heart incredibly simple, but what comes out of these events is endlessly fascinating and complex.
When you see the title of this podcast episode you may have already made some assumptions about the path this conversation follows. If you listen to this podcast (and I hope you do), you'll realise that while you may have a preconception about what an unhurried conversation might be, you'll learn that the ramifications of this simple concept reaches out into (and can improve) every aspect of how we interact, support and nurture each other. This is not some lame hippy new-age meanderings, this is interesting, urgent and compelling. Enjoy!
Find out more about Johnnie Moore and Unhurried Conversations at https://www.unhurried.org/
Find out more about the Andrew Culture Podcast at https://andrewculture.com/podcast/
Mark Curtis on fighting fear and anxiety to become an extreme ultra marathon runner
In 2010 Mark Curtis was an enthusiastic consumer of strong lager and cigarettes. Within a handful of years Mark's gained an international reputation as an extreme ultra marathon runner. As you can probably guess the story between these two points in his life is dramatic, occasionally alarming, inspiring and incredibly interesting.
In this episode of my podcast I have the enormous pleasure of speaking with my very own brother in law and close friend Mark Curtis. Of course this isn't the first time we've spoken, but it is the first time I've recorded Mark for my podcast. I thought I knew his story, but in this frank, and at times deeply emotional episode I learned a lot about this family member of mine.
This story will appeal to runners and non-runners alike. Mark's story is about... well I'll let him explain! Listen now, you won't regret it.
Find out more about Andrew Culture's Podcast at https://andrewculture.com/podcast/
Thanks to Kyle Flowers for taking the featured photo for this episode.
Andee Cornelius Martin and me on tolerance and shifting pop culture
In this conversation between myself and music promoter, comedy writer, podcaster and pub landlord Andee Cornelius Martin we discuss tolerance, celebrating differences and finding ways to learn more about our fellow humans.
Neither myself or Andee claim to have any answers, but in this discussion we explore theories for how we can all move forward with positivity. We also chat about the evolving wonder that is pop culture, and the importance of being prepared to hold conversations with people whose views differ from our own.
In this lively discussion we talk frankly and openly about many things. Topics covered include the political, but also the Marvel universe, famous cameos by musicians, Ed Sheeran, Cradle of Filth and even The Archers.
Having read the paragraphs above you'll probably realise that this episode is a departure from the usual themes this podcast discusses. Please me know what you think of it.
More information
Filmschool Dropouts podcast - https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/film-school-drop-outs-earpodcastgmailcom-XbUFSWJ0I3A/
Faces of Suffolk podcast - https://anchor.fm/facesofsuffolk
The Brewers Arms in Ipswich - https://www.facebook.com/brewersarmsipswich
Find out more about the Andrew Culture podcast at https://andrewculture.com/podcast/
Wibbs Coulson on breathing, movement and better health for everyone
Are you breathing too much? Could small changes to the way you move, and the way you breath make massive positive changes to life?
In this episode of my podcast I dive into deep conversation with Wibbs Coulson; a movement and breathing expert. Wibby (as I know him) had a long career as a nurse before moving to India to develop his skills as a Yogi. In this episode he explains how his time working on hospital wards taught him that with just a few small changes in their lives, some patients need never find themselves in need of urgent medical care.
Since moving back to the UK five years ago Wibbs has changed the lives of many people. He is a genial, engaging character and I am thrilled to have him as a guest on my show.
In this podcast episode Wibbs talks with passion and empathy, showing a deep enthusiasm for helping people lead healthier lives. He reveals how simple movement and breathing exploration (and training) has helped many people (including professional athletes) live rich lives, freed from pain and restricted movement.
This is a fascinating, accessible and light-hearted episode full of insight, advice and easily digestible scientific information.
More information:
Wibb's yoga and wellness website - https://www.mandukyayoga.com/
Further reading:
Behave: The Biology of Humans at Our Best and Worst - Robert M Sapolsky
Why don’t zebra get ulcers - Robert Sapolsky
What the foot? - Gary Ward
The Oxygen Advantage - Patrick McKeown
Bohr effect
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bohr_effect
Slow Breathing Improves Arterial Baroreflex Sensitivity and Decreases Blood Pressure in Essential Hypertension
Find out more about Andrew Culture's podcast at https://andrewculture.com/podcast/
Michael Perry on secret passions and becoming Mr Plant Geek
Michael Perry neither loved nor loathed school. He kept his head down and got on with his school work, in fact he did pretty well at school. But the whole time Michael was at school he was hiding what he saw as a deep secret, something that he was sure would single him out as an oddball to his friends. From a very young age Michael had a passion for plants.
In this episode of my podcast I chat with the always affable he charming Michael Perry. We plot a cheerful path through his school years, through his work as a professional plant hunter and product developer, to arrive at the present day. These days Michael is a frequent guest on mainstream television shows, a prolific content creator, social media influencer and host of his own television show.
We discuss the 'shame' of fame, the downsides of being called an influencer and how brave decisions can take us to places we could previously only dream of.
More information
Michael's main website - https://mrplantgeek.com/
The Plant Based Podcast - https://theplantbasedpodcast.net/
Find out more about Andrew Culture's Podcast at https://andrewculture.com/podcast/
James Kindred on boring education, charging into creativity and brewing brilliant beers
When I was at school I dreamed of working in the creative industries but it seemed like an impossible dream. The school careers department make it clear that without GCSEs, A-Levels and a University Degree I didn't stand a chance. The careers department was wrong.
In this episode of my podcast I am joined by James Kindred, who (like my previous guest Mark Aaron) did not excel at school in the traditional sense. In this fascinating conversation James talks us through how his total ambivalence around learning morphed into a passionate hunger for knowledge that has kept his creativity focussed for many years.
We also tackle the sometimes difficult topic of struggling with academia and finding our own path in life, against an unhelpful backdrop of developmental conformity.
We talk about the things James learned as a freelancer, working in a creativity agency, starting his own creativity agency, launching an Internet 'startup' and getting into the world of commercial brewing.
No matter how old or young you are, if you yearn for a career in the creative industries but don't know where to start, then this episode will hopefully help you, and give you hope.
More information
Internet Marketing for Humans episode on 'making mistakes' (featuring James Kindred)
https://andrewlaws.com/podcast/the-importance-of-making-mistakes/
Inn Style
https://www.innstyle.co.uk/
Fork
https://fork.uk.net/
Big Drop Brewing Company
https://www.bigdropbrew.com/
Find out more about Andrew Culture's Podcast at https://andrewculture.com/podcast/
Mark Aaron on jumping off the designer gravy train and saving BBC 6Music
Are designers born or made? At what age do creative people realise they need to express themselves in ways that might not fit in with conventional academia? How do television companies decide how a production will look? How can creatives break free from corporate constraints and build a portfolio career?
In this episode of my podcast I chat with the creative force that is Mark Aaron. Graphic designer, director, film score composer and genial raconteur. Mark has worked with some of the biggest brands in the world and played a part in the 'save 6Music campaign' fo 2010.
In this episode Mark Aaron is open, honest and engaging. If you're wishing you worked in the creative industries, but don't know how to 'break in' Mark is going to share his tale. He explains how he left school with nothing and created an epic career doing the thing he loves most - creating.
Find out more about Mark using the site links below:
http://markaaron.co.uk/ (freelancing portfolio)
http://www.markaaron.com/ (fine arts)
http://www.thefensea.com/ (film work)
https://www.facebook.com/hauntedhotelproject (a film Mark scored)
http://www.carvedbyglaciers.com/ (Mark's 3D design, animation and music)
Find out more about the Andrew Culture podcast at https://andrewculture.com/podcast/
John Ridealgh on finding your path and creating your own dream job
Some people know exactly what they want do when they 'grow up' from a very young age. Others find their calling via a slightly more meandering path. I'm not sure either way is correct, or holds more merit that the other. What's probably more important than 'when' inspiration strikes is how you respond when it does strike you.
In this episode of 'Andrew Culture's Podcast' I chat with John Ridealgh of Humber Doucy Brewing Company about inspiration, changing direction and creating your own dream job. I also find out why John called his company 'Humber Doucy Brewing Company' when it is based miles away from Humber Doucy Lane (in Ipswich).
Find out more about the Humber Doucy Brewing Company at https://humberdoucybrew.co/
Find out more about Andrew Culture's podcast at https://andrewculture.com/podcast/
Gareth Patch on quitting school, soul-stifling jobs and breaking into the music industry
Like a lot of people Gareth Patch left school (quit to be more precise) and found himself in a job he didn't really choose. Unlike a lot of people Gareth decided to make a big decision. He decided to leave a job he never really wanted to pursue a career in the music industry.
Gareth is a professional musician, composer, podcast producer and sound engineer. He has built a brilliant 'portfolio career' focussed on making a living from his passion for creating, producing and facilitating music.
In this episode of Andrew Culture's podcast I have the enormous pleasure of speaking to my dear friend, musical mentor and bandmate Gareth Patch. We explore brave decisions, mitigating risk and following your heart to create a career you really love.
Find out more about Gareth Patch at https://semi-echo.co.uk/
Find out more about the Andrew Culture podcast at https://andrewculture.com/podcast/
Avi Kniznik on brave decisions and following your passions
Few people I've met sum up the spirit of adventure and risk taking quite like Avi Kniznik. I've know Avi for many years and seen him tackle adversity and chew challenges with a hunger that is as rare as it is inspiring. Born in Toronto (Canada) into a large family Avi had what could charitably called a 'lively' childhood that, by his own admission, probably gave his loving and supporting parents 'all their grey hairs'.
After being kicked out of school Avi faced one of the first big challenges of his life - what should he do next. The decision Avi made at that age formed the start of a portentous template that would guide him for the rest of his life.
In this episode of 'Andrew Culture's Podcast' I have the great pleasure of interviewing a good friend of mine about making brave decisions, taking wild chances and reverting to long-running passions for inspiration when the time for change is thrust upon us.
Dear listeners, I present to you Avi Kniznik.
Find out more about Avi's wedding photography at https://www.akexpressions.com/
Find out more about Avi's bagels at https://www.facebook.com/BagelorBeigel/
Find out more about Andrew Culture's podcast (and listen to more episodes) at https://andrewculture.com/podcast/
The obligatory introductory first episode
Like a lot of podcast hosts I'm a bit excitable about creating something brand new. But unlike 'some' podcasters I don't want to use my podcast as as a vehicle for talking about myself. So for this inaugural episode I'm going to tell you a bit about myself and why I've started this podcast, then I'm going to do my best to just shut my pie hole with regards to talking about myself. So there you go, get stuck in!
P.S If you really do what to what else I get up to in live take a peek at andrewculture.com